I beleive that the exact same thing happened back in the early 60's. Also due to an equipment problem (think it was a switch) in the same area and causing blackouts over the same space. Saw a program (think it was one of James Burkes) showing a KLM 707 on approach to JFK when the lights went out. Didn't they FIX this 40 years ago?! I find it hard to beleive that a "lightning strike" could trip a power plant off line in this day and age-they never heard of surge protection circuits??
